How to Identify Saddled seabream

To identify Saddled seabream (Oblada melanura), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery-grey body, often with faint longitudinal stripes. The most distinctive feature is a prominent, saddle-shaped black spot on the caudal peduncle, just anterior to the caudal fin.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large eyes relative to head size, Small, terminal mouth, Single dorsal fin with spines and soft rays, Prominent black saddle-like spot on the caudal peduncle

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 10-11 spines and 11-14 soft rays.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located directly below the pectoral fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Black caudal spot

   The most reliable identification feature is the distinct, saddle-shaped black spot on the caudal peduncle, just before the tail fin.

2. 2

   Body shape and color

   Its silvery, compressed body with large eyes and a small mouth are characteristic. Faint longitudinal lines may be visible on the flanks.

3. 3

   Fin count

   Counting the dorsal fin spines (10-11) and soft rays (11-14) can aid in confirmation, though this requires closer examination.

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